Former Indian cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin has once again questioned the ongoing decision to leave left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh out of India’s playing XI in the T20I series against Australia. Despite being India’s leading wicket-taker in the shortest format recently, Arshdeep continues to remain on the bench as the management prioritizes extra batting depth under head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Arshdeep Singh has an impressive T20I record with over 100 wickets in 65 matches at a strong average, showcasing his effectiveness both during the powerplay and death overs. His exclusion has led to growing criticism from cricket fans and experts who believe he deserves a permanent role in India’s bowling unit.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin stated that Arshdeep should be the automatic choice as India’s second pacer after Jasprit Bumrah. He further mentioned that if Bumrah is not available, the 26-year-old should be the lead fast bowler for the team, considering his consistent performances on the international stage.
Ashwin expressed confusion over the repeated decision to bench Arshdeep, especially after his impressive showing during the 2024 T20 World Cup and a strong comeback performance in the Asia Cup 2025. He warned that keeping a key asset out of the playing XI for long periods could hamper his rhythm and form.
While Harshit Rana contributed with the bat in the second T20I against Australia, he was expensive with the ball, prompting further debates on team selection. Ashwin insisted that the issue is not about other bowlers, but about giving Arshdeep the opportunities he has earned.
As India continues to test combinations ahead of major future tournaments, pressure is mounting on the management to ensure that Arshdeep Singh, regarded as a champion bowler by many, receives consistent game time to maintain his impact and confidence.
